Wisdom Tooth Pain: What You Can Do for Fast Relief

Wisdom tooth pain often strikes without warning, bringing swelling, jaw stiffness, and intense discomfort. At Colac Smiles, we regularly help patients from Winchelsea, Beeac, Cororooke, and Barongarook manage painful wisdom teeth effectively and avoid complications. Here’s what causes wisdom tooth pain, how to get relief, and when to seek dental treatment.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually erupt between ages 17 and 25. They are the last teeth to emerge and often lack enough space to come in properly. As a result, they can cause:

Common causes of wisdom tooth pain:

• Impaction – Tooth is trapped in the jawbone or gums, leading to pressure, swelling, or infection

• Inflamed gum tissue – Known as pericoronitis, common when the tooth partially erupts

• Tooth decay or infection – Bacteria and food debris can build up around the area

• Cysts or jawbone issues – In rare cases, fluid-filled sacs can form

• Crowding and misalignment – Pressure on nearby teeth or shifting of your bite

Signs You’re Dealing with Wisdom Tooth Pain

Not sure if your symptoms are caused by a wisdom tooth? Look out for the following:

• Pain at the back of the jaw or mouth

• Swelling or redness in the gums

• Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing

• Radiating pain to the ear or jaw

• A bad taste or odour in the mouth

• Fever or general feeling of illness (may indicate infection)

If you’re located in Warrion, Elliminyt, or Apollo Bay and experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to book a dental appointment promptly to avoid further complications.

Effective Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain

You can often manage early symptoms at home while waiting for professional care.

1. Saltwater rinse
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce bacteria and inflammation.

2. Cold compress
Apply a cold pack to the side of your face to reduce swelling and numb the area.

3. Pain relievers
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation.

4. Oral numbing gel
Products containing benzocaine can provide short-term relief when applied directly to the sore gums.

5. Soft foods and hydration
Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, mashed vegetables, or soup. Avoid hot drinks and crunchy foods that can irritate the area.

6. Avoid irritants
Stay away from acidic foods, fizzy drinks, smoking, or alcohol, which can worsen gum irritation.

When to See a Dentist in Colac or Surrounding Areas?

Some wisdom tooth problems cannot be managed at home. Contact a dentist near you if:

• Pain lasts more than three days or worsens

• Swelling spreads to your jaw, neck, or cheek

• You have trouble opening your mouth or swallowing

• You develop a fever or notice pus near the tooth

• The pain interferes with eating, sleeping, or working

Patients from Birregurra, Beeac, or Winchelsea are welcome at Colac Smiles for same-day assessments and urgent care if necessary.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Painful Wisdom Tooth?

Leaving a painful or impacted wisdom tooth untreated can lead to:

• Infections and abscesses

• Damage to neighbouring teeth

• Misalignment of other teeth

• Jawbone damage

• Spread of infection to other areas of the body

To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal, especially if the tooth is partially erupted, impacted, or repeatedly infected.

Wisdom Tooth Removal at Colac Smiles

Wisdom tooth extraction can be simple or surgical, depending on the tooth’s position. At Colac Smiles, we provide:

• Digital imaging and diagnosis

• Local anaesthesia or sedation for comfort

• Comprehensive aftercare instructions

• Follow-up support to ensure proper healing

We serve patients from across the region, including Cororooke, Barongarook, Warrion, and Elliminyt, and tailor each treatment to the individual’s needs.

References

• Australian Dental Association (ADA). Wisdom Teeth.

• HealthDirect Australia. Wisdom Teeth – Causes and Treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes wisdom tooth pain?
Most commonly, pain is caused by impaction, inflammation of the gum, or infection as the wisdom tooth tries to erupt.

2. Can I manage wisdom tooth pain at home?
Yes, you can manage mild symptoms with saltwater rinses, pain relievers, and cold compresses. However, persistent or severe pain should be assessed by a dentist.

3. Is wisdom tooth removal always necessary?
Not always. If the teeth come in fully and are healthy, they may not need to be removed. But problematic wisdom teeth are often extracted to avoid complications.

4. How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Pain may last a few days to a week. Ongoing or worsening pain may signal infection or impaction and should be reviewed by a professional.

5. How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?
Infection symptoms include swelling, pus, a bad taste in the mouth, difficulty opening your mouth, and sometimes fever.

6. Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?
Modern anaesthesia and aftercare make the procedure very manageable. Most people recover within a few days with minimal discomfort.